The Grand Slam: Analyzing the Orioles (Week 7)

US Presswire

Buck looks at the big picture: Pretty sure that Orioles fans would have preferred to see a more representative lineup Wednesday afternoon, but that's because the fans want to see the Orioles pull out all the stops to win every series against the Red Sox and Yankees. Manager Buck Showalter clearly saw the day game before a day off as a prime opportunity to get an extended rest for two players -- Matt Wieters and J.J. Hardy -- who are absolutely critical to this team's chances of staying around for the duration in the American League East. He was willing to sacrifice one game for the greater good and he almost didn't have to, since the Orioles were one good Chris Davis at-bat away from coming back in the late innings.

Buck looks at the big picture: Pretty sure that Orioles fans would have preferred to see a more representative lineup Wednesday afternoon, but that's because the fans want to see the Orioles pull out all the stops to win every series against the Red Sox and Yankees. Manager Buck Showalter clearly saw the day game before a day off as a prime opportunity to get an extended rest for two players -- Matt Wieters and J.J. Hardy -- who are absolutely critical to this team's chances of staying around for the duration in the American League East. He was willing to sacrifice one game for the greater good and he almost didn't have to, since the Orioles were one good Chris Davis at-bat away from coming back in the late innings. (US Presswire)

Matusz has that look in his eye: Left-hander Brian Matusz delivered his best performance since 2010 on Tuesday night, giving up just two hits over 6 1/3 innings to improve his record in May to 4-1 and even his overall record at 4-4. There's no question that he has regained confidence in all his pitches and has done it at just the right time for an Orioles rotation that has hit a rough patch with Hunter struggling, Jason Hammel hurting and Jake Arrieta having command issues. Remember when everyone was in a panic about Matusz in April? Go back and re-read my blog entry at that time explaining why he was moving in the right direction in spite of some disappointing results.

Matusz has that look in his eye: Left-hander Brian Matusz delivered his best performance since 2010 on Tuesday night, giving up just two hits over 6 1/3 innings to improve his record in May to 4-1 and even his overall record at 4-4. There's no question that he has regained confidence in all his pitches and has done it at just the right time for an Orioles rotation that has hit a rough patch with Hunter struggling, Jason Hammel hurting and Jake Arrieta having command issues. Remember when everyone was in a panic about Matusz in April? Go back and re-read my blog entry at that time explaining why he was moving in the right direction in spite of some disappointing results. (Getty Images)